Dating can be as tricky or straightforward as you want to make it, but with modern dating apps and a climate of respect around the online dating industry, it is now more accessible than ever. Nevertheless, there are a few things you should bear in mind if you want your dating venture to be successful and productive (i.e., find your Prince Charming or Princess Delight). This post will outline some of these facts and hopefully help you find the sort of love that has possibly eluded you over the years.
Have Fun During The Process
Dating can be a stressful experience, and for those who have been out of the game for some time or are entirely new to the process, you can actually make it fun as opposed to terrifying! While many of the most popular dating apps, like Tinder, take pleasure in the swipe to disregard, others take a more lightweight and whimsical approach and use dating games to lighten the atmosphere. This can really reduce the anxiety involved and help you to eke the most from yourself, in order to help you fully present yourself to other people without fear of embarrassment. By making things more fun, you will feel better about the process and be more likely to relax and message potential partners in a far more relaxed manner.
Understand The Red Flags
Online dating has its fair share of pros and cons, with one of the more insidious flaws being the non-physical nature of the game. Understanding potential red flags when engaging with matches online is vital to staying safe and finding someone special. Some signs to look out for include:
- Profiles that lack basic details
- Only use group photos (not always a bad thing, but something to be aware of)
- Missing photos
- Matches being too upfront in the initial messages
Be cautious of matches pushing too fast for offline contact, like phone numbers, dates, or visits, without first building rapport and trust. Also, be wary of story inconsistencies or details that don’t align between their profile and messaging conversations. It is always best to err on the side of caution but also to use common sense and not get taken away with fanciful stories, etc.
Keep The Conversation Flowing (Not Always About Yourself, Though)
It’s essential to keep communication engaging when connecting with potential partners online. While sharing details about yourself is still crucial early on, the focus shouldn’t always be on talking exclusively about your own life, interests, and experiences. Ask questions to learn about the other person and find common interests to discuss. Compliment something you notice in their profile, photos, or something they’ve told you as a way to continue the dialogue.
Know How And When To Meet Up In Person
While connecting online is convenient, ultimately, the goal for many dating app users is finding an in-person connection. It’s important to gauge the right timing for an initial meet-up. Exchanging messages for a week or two can help establish whether you enjoy conversing and seem compatible. Look for signs of mutual interest, like consistent response times and lengthier discussions. Feel free to broach the topic and propose a low-key public setting like coffee or a walk in the park. Daytime hours are usually best for a first encounter. Exchange phone numbers before and let friends/family know details of your plans for safety. Consider video chatting first if long distance is a factor.
Online dating can appear to be a labyrinth of wrong turns and potential embarrassment, but when you approach it correctly, you will find it a great place to find love. As long as you understand what to look out for and keep the process fun, you will succeed.
